Google’s journey to relocate the address bar in Chrome for Android to the bottom began in 2016. After a lengthy process of sporadic testing, the feature was revived in 2023 exclusively for iPhone users. A few months later, in April, Google introduced the option within the stable build of Chrome for Android, although it wasn’t available to everyone.
Now, nearly two months later, the feature is set to become official. With many mid-range and flagship Android models now showcasing 6.8-inch or larger displays, accessing the address bar at the top can be cumbersome for users. To enhance usability, especially when using devices with one hand, the address bar’s relocation to the bottom simplifies the process.
Google has made it easy to move the address bar. Users can long-press the address bar and select the “Move address bar to the bottom” option. The same steps can be repeated to shift it back to the top if desired.
Alternatively, users can find this option in the Settings menu under “Address bar.” Similar to its top position, the address bar will automatically hide when scrolling to maximize screen space for content. Despite this change in position, Google is maintaining the core functionalities of the address bar.
It remains the same, offering quick access to the home page, open tabs, and the overflow menu button. The bottom address bar also integrates seamlessly with Chrome’s new edge-to-edge display, providing a more immersive browsing experience. Interestingly, while Google experimented with this feature first, Apple was the first to implement it in Safari with iOS 15 in 2021.
Most major Android browsers have also provided similar functionality for some time. Google anticipates that the option to move the address bar will begin appearing on devices immediately, although the rollout may take several weeks to finalize.
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